Lost my ride, then i got my first NEW bike. 2012 Ninja 650

[Gunner75]

Just purchased it. This is my first sport bike of the newer generation. I worked on the Kawasaki dealer for 2 weeks before he managed to come off the price by $500. they had it for 7899, i got it for 7399. Since i need to build my credit up, i wanted to finance. Tax, Title, fees, I rode off with a total of 8250 and the extended mfg warranty to bring the warranty to 5 years. Insuance is running me $22 a month, once i get my MSF certificate my insurance will drop to below $20 a month. Ive already added some of my own styling and im not finished. below are my current mods on, then the mods i have on order then mods i have planned for the winter months. I know with the below mods I could just go with a ZX6R or Z1000 but i like the 650, and it suits me fine. If i decide to sell it ill go with a liter bike next, but for the next 2 years of so this is what ill be riding.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions im all ears. For those who say i shoudlve got the black or the candy green, I went with the passion red because to many around here have the black, and more then a few have the green, but only 1 other guy has the red.

Current Mods
5 LEDglow LED light strips.
a set of Progrip 717 red grips
Progrip tank pad

Mods on Order
Rascal Grafik Smoke wheel stripe kit
R&G Cotton Reel Swingarm sliders
R&G Racing No Cut Frame Sliders
R&G 2012 Ninja 650 Tail Tidy (with micro indicators)

Future mods
Air box mod
Sports Bars (once available on ninja650shop.com)
Integrated tail light(once available)
Slightly smaller rear sprocket(if available)
Slightly larger front sprocket(if available)
Two Brothers Titanium V.A.L.E Black Series exhaust
Fuel Injection Module (Power Commander, Juice Box)
Carbon Fiber Lowers
Custom Air Brush Paint Or some Vinyl graphics (havent decided yet)

Was gonna add a sixth LED strip on the lower fairing towards the ground but i was concerned about the possibility of melting the wire inside the fairing next to the exhaust or the engine. .

+ You Tube " title="View this video at YouTube in a new window or tab" target="_blank">YouTube Video

[RobMoore]

Nice bike.

[Biker Dash]

I do like the 650 Ninja. My only greviance with it is its almost as tall as the supersport models. I still prefer the 500 myself.

Juust the same, nice bike!

[Gunner75]

I love it, I dont mind the height since im 6'2".

I would like to make clear the performance upgrades i listed are not set in stone, they are mostly wish lists, other then the exhaust. I highly doubt ill make all the performance upgrades.

[sanford]

great looking bike

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Gunner75

I love it, I dont mind the height since im 6'2".

I would like to make clear the performance upgrades i listed are not set in stone, they are mostly wish lists, other then the exhaust. I highly doubt ill make all the performance upgrades.

I'm 5'4", so I like the smaller bikes lol (though I can do the Busa... at least the 1st gen ones)

As for mods, if you do get the exhaust, you will WANT a Powercommander. If it is available for your bike, the PC-V cant be beat. I would ride around some on the stock sprockets before deciding to change them. If you change too quick or too much, you might find you want to go back.

[Gunner75]

As far as the sprockets go yeah i agree there. I just figured that a colored sprocket would look better, with a colored chain.


You really think I would NEED a PC? Or that i would seriously want one?

[Cool The Kid]

I have an 06 650. I have the Yoshi TRC and no PCV. The older bikes have much worse stock mapping but my bike rides fine outside of some backfiring. Unless you change the headers too you won't need a PC.

Nice pick up! I wasn't crazy about these at the IMS but they are really growing on me.

[Gunner75]

The new 2012 exhausts are all one solid kit from the header on back to the can. Below is the kit im looking at getting.


http://tinyurl.com/877qg2q

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Gunner75

As far as the sprockets go yeah i agree there. I just figured that a colored sprocket would look better, with a colored chain.


You really think I would NEED a PC? Or that i would seriously want one?

Well, you may not NEED one, but once yoou feel the added kick of the increased ponies, you'll likely want an even bigger kick. This will allow you to adjust toyr fuel and ignitio mapping to get even more power. Also, it will allow you to compensate for a better flowing air filter, more aggressive cams, shaved heads, ect, ect. Basically, it will allow you to easily tune your bike for however your bike is set up, including bumping the rev limit up I would imagine.

[Gunner75]

Whoa there boy! Im not looking to get into it like that. Just so added fun is all.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Gunner75

Whoa there boy! Im not looking to get into it like that. Just so added fun is all.

LMAO!!!!! I guess we have a bit differing differences of our definitions of "fun"

For me, part of the fun is in the modding of the bike, to make it the way I want it.

[Gunner75]

You are correct sir, but My concern is doing so much that the mods exceed the value of the bike itself, and generally worried that if i add on a lot of extra power that ill become an adrenalin junkie and want more.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Gunner75

You are correct sir, but My concern is doing so much that the mods exceed the value of the bike itself, and generally worried that if i add on a lot of extra power that ill become an adrenalin junkie and want more.

lol, I have absolutely no problems with putting several thousand dollars into a bike I paid a fraction of that for.

As for the adrenalin addiction... I am DEFINATELY hooked. Which is why I will be heading to Limestone this summer for the timed mile runs there.

[Gunner75]

Nice!

Im taking it down to SE Ohio tomorrow and hitting up some runs with a good friend and co worker tomorrow. There are some serious twisties down there so it should be exceptionally fun on a sports bike rather then my run down there last week on my dads 99 Valkyrie interstate. They got a run down there some refer to Ohio's tail of the dragon, and another run called the Rim of the world.


Ill be making a stop off at Iron Pony Motorsports in Columbus to see if they got anything i might "need".

heres the run were going to do tomorrow, i just confirmed it through my friend, he lives down there and knows the best runs.
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/44...orest-Run.html

[Biker Dash]

Yeah... I just read up, and my bike would require a steering stabilizer. Anything over 125mph requires one, and I am looking at 130... Plus I would need to safety wire the axles, and I dont know if V-rated would be acceptable in the class they put my bike in.

Maybe, what I need to do is to take her off the road and put some SERIOUS work into her. FI, twin ram-air scoops, lighten her down to 470lbs wet, and other mods.

I think I will need a sponsor lol

Someone with money whom would help finance a speed run for the record books. I figure, if I do this, I might as well make an attempt at setting a record. I figure it can be done, IF I can get the backing to put it all together.

[Gunner75]

I have a relative that is into engine modification and building. He swears for 3 grand and 2 weeks he can tear my engine down and "work his magic" put it back together and then do all the above mods i have planned and push it out to more then 90 hp. He then said with some playing in the gears, he could get it to where itll do 10 or even 9 second 1/4 mile runs. I totally call BS on his story, because then it would just not be worth it.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Gunner75

I have a relative that is into engine modification and building. He swears for 3 grand and 2 weeks he can tear my engine down and "work his magic" put it back together and then do all the above mods i have planned and push it out to more then 90 hp. He then said with some playing in the gears, he could get it to where itll do 10 or even 9 second 1/4 mile runs. I totally call BS on his story, because then it would just not be worth it.

The 90hp is believable. The 10 sec 1/4 or better... he IS full of ***** n that one.

From what I have been able to find, your looking at about 71hp stock, so 90 is a reasonable goal. It will take over 160 to break into the low 10's.

[R1200R]

grats on the new bike and nice video, thanks for posting it.

[Cool The Kid]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

Well, you may not NEED one, but once yoou feel the added kick of the increased ponies, you'll likely want an even bigger kick. This will allow you to adjust toyr fuel and ignitio mapping to get even more power. Also, it will allow you to compensate for a better flowing air filter, more aggressive cams, shaved heads, ect, ect. Basically, it will allow you to easily tune your bike for however your bike is set up, including bumping the rev limit up I would imagine.

Because of its low volume (and general noobness of its owners- no offense as I am a noob w/a 650), parts are rare, unproven and expensive.

On top of that, because of its low rev height and low (respectively) valve area to displacement ratio, the most folks are seeing out of full blown race motors is about 90HP to the wheels, as opposed to 100-110HP from stock 600 supersports.

Personally, I want to try some uncharted waters as far as making power. I know the coffee stirrer throttle bodies are a HUGE choke point. A ZX6R has 4 of the throttle bodies the 650 gets 2 of. If I could make 10-15HP from upgrading to ZX14R TBs (50% more area) I would be happy, wouldn't even tear into the head/block.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Cool The Kid

Because of its low volume (and general noobness of its owners- no offense as I am a noob w/a 650), parts are rare, unproven and expensive.

On top of that, because of its low rev height and low (respectively) valve area to displacement ratio, the most folks are seeing out of full blown race motors is about 90HP to the wheels, as opposed to 100-110HP from stock 600 supersports.

Personally, I want to try some uncharted waters as far as making power. I know the coffee stirrer throttle bodies are a HUGE choke point. A ZX6R has 4 of the throttle bodies the 650 gets 2 of. If I could make 10-15HP from upgrading to ZX14R TBs (50% more area) I would be happy, wouldn't even tear into the head/block.

The PC modules ARE very proven, and the PC-5 is available for the 650. There are many exhaust options for the bike as well. Lastly, it is relatively easy to find suspension upgrades for this bike, which would make it so the power made can be more effectively put to the ground. And 90hp is PLENTY for the street btw. Also, when you look at the torque curves, the 650 has a lot more low end than the 600.

Top end is good, but not everything.

[Cool The Kid]

PCs are great products, I have nothing to say about them. Just saying theyre unnecessary until you start cracking the engine open with new cams or higher compression. Its overkill for a slip on.

And top end isn't everything, but at the same time it sucks to have a 10K redline but have no power past 8K. The bike damn near stops pulling past 9K.

[Biker Dash]

With the right fuel and ignition mapping, it can very well be worth it. Just with intake, exhaust, jetting and an aftermarket ignition, I have raised my hp from 36 at the crank to 60 at the wheel. (yes, Honda SEVERELY neutered the Shadow line of bikes) That is a significant improvement. To go beyond that, I will need higher compression pistons, new cams, valvesprings, and rod bolts. (the rod bolts and springs are to keep things from grenading lol) At that point, it may be worth my time to relocate my front coil, mod the underside of the fuel tank for a bit more room, and add a 2nd air plenum and intake for more air in. Bigger jets in the carbs. Lower restriction baffles in the exhaust, and some porting, and raise the rev limit to 8k (7k currently, stock was 5700) and I will have a good deal more. (considering the stock and current levels)

To be able to get all that power to the wheels effectively, I shall need higher rate clutch springs, and may even have to shim them for a bit. Also, if they can be found, grippier clutch friction disks for my bike would be helpful.
And I have yet to even get into lightening the bike further from where it is now. Stock is 540lbs, and it is currently 510lbs wet. I could easily lose another 30lbs.

Do not discount what can be done without cracking the engine open.

I got a significant increase in power without doing so, and as you can see, there is room for a LOT more.

I am sure that the same can be done for the 650 Ninja.

[Gunner75]

Its proven the Two Brothers full exhaust is +7.5 hp at the wheel. Some guys have dyno'd their 650's with just a two brothers and a PC5 and seeing around 75Hp on 87 octane. When you throw in the air box mod which removes the baffles and allows for more less turbulent air into the engine and readjusting the ignition timings people are seeing as high as 80hp. That right there is a significant increase in power.

[BioInclined]

Originally Posted by Gunner75

Its proven the Two Brothers full exhaust is +7.5 hp at the wheel. Some guys have dyno'd their 650's with just a two brothers and a PC5 and seeing around 75Hp on 87 octane. When you throw in the air box mod which removes the baffles and allows for more less turbulent air into the engine and readjusting the ignition timings people are seeing as high as 80hp. That right there is a significant increase in power.

stop...please. There is not 7.5HP gained to the wheels on the Two Bros. That is to the crank.
You're foolish for putting 3K into the motor if you plan on selling in the future, her's why...
You'll be disappointed. The 650r won't be like a supersport or even make you feel that way, it just isn't set up for it. You'd need a $700 rear suspension assembly and then another $300+ for the front.
If you overhaul the engine and ever try to sell it, people will no give it the chance and the bike loses the reason people buy it, its fair power, fuel economy and comfort to ride.
Then, you won't get back what you put into it IF the motor even handles it that long.
You need to sit and remind yourself, there are LOTS more bikes out there and LOTS of time.
I think the 650r has great power and abilities and maybe goign to a 1000cc SS is a fine idea or maybe it won't be a good one.
A better idea is, ride the 650r how it is, maybe small things here and there. Just remember, more times than not when people look for MCs, closer to stock can be more appealing.
After a season maybe make a step to a 600cc SS, it is a different animal in every way than the class with the 650r and others.
I know you didn't get what you wanted probably on the other site(Yea, I'm there too) but maybe heed the advice from there as well. I just don't see how you can justify spending $11K+ on something to maybe make it to 90HP
BRP has parts, they are not hard to come by, you just need to look. There is a great market for the 650r and the 2012 just needs time to catch up.

Good luck on your endeavors.

[BioInclined]

Originally Posted by Cool The Kid

PCs are great products, I have nothing to say about them. Just saying theyre unnecessary until you start cracking the engine open with new cams or higher compression. Its overkill for a slip on.

And top end isn't everything, but at the same time it sucks to have a 10K redline but have no power past 8K. The bike damn near stops pulling past 9K.

PCs are highly recommended if you do a air box mod and exhaust, while not a necessity, they ensure you're running right and efficiently.
Some people run it on stock bikes to tweak a bit and adjust A/F ratios, this is only a good idea if you know what you're doing.
Top end isn't everything..in fact, it's nothing to us(650r riders) While improving an be fun and maybe "extend" the power band, the P-Twin motor loves ~4K-9K, look at the charts.
The bike isn't meant to be a high revving track-star, it is a mix of sport and touring. Most of the class is except the FZ6R where you get the inline 4 blueprint with pulled back power.
I don't know it all, I probably never will, but some things are being said maybe not thinking about what it's meant to be, what it can do and why.

[Gunner75]

I am missing why you think there wouldnt be 7.5 HP gain on the 2012 with a two brothers exhaust at the wheel. Its a full exhaust not a slip on, There isnt a slip on to purchase due to the new laws for modification of exhausts, Ive already spoken with 4 of the major players and they all say that. Two Brothers is saying with their full system its 7.5 at 10k RPMs at the wheel and they say they have the data to prove it. I do plan on doing the air box mod and will be getting the exhaust and PC V next month. Im not trying to build a racer. Im making my 650 mine. IF i decide to sell which i might, I know plenty of people around here that would gladly purchase it with all the mods i plan on putting on. Currently i have

R&G Frame Sliders
R&G Cotton Reel Swing Arm Sliders
R&G Tail Eliminator with mico indicators
Rascal Grafik Smoke wheel stripe in Red
LED Glow Red led lighting kit

Tomorrow Im ordering a set of Sports bars from Ninja650shop.com, then next month ill be getting a Two Brothers Titanium exhaust and a fuel manager.

My lighting kit installed


New tail installed